The city's Human Resource Committee has adopted plans to reorganize the Public Works Department.
That paves the way for long-time public works director Jeff Vito to take on a new position as development and government affairs director.
While he continues to have oversight of the department, the reorganization includes plans to hire an assistant public works director to handle daily operations.
"I think it's long overdue," said Councilor Dennis Dalbec, a member of the committee. "Jeff's been doing this job (development and government affairs) and public works, so he's been carrying twice the load."
Mayor Dave Ross proposed the change to enhance Superior's efforts for residential, commercial and industrial development.
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In his new role, Vito is responsible for all development activity and projects within the city. Vito's top-scale salary for the newly created position is about $96,000. Currently, the top scale for public works director is $85,509.
Daily responsibility for running the department falls to a newly created assistant public works director responsible for budgeting, planning and directing public works activities. The top salary for that position is about $76,000, depending upon the qualifications and experience of the individual hired, said Cammi Konezny, human resources administrator.
Under the reorganization, the Planning Department falls under the supervision of the development and government affairs director rather than the mayor.
Ross said it never made sense to have the planning department report to him rather than public works.
In 2005, the city's community development functions were moved from planning to public works and merged with the building inspection division. The move was made to free up Port and Planning Director Jason Serck to work on economic development and give the building inspection division additional resources to address blight in the city by increasing the inspecting staff.
Konezny said the city plans to search for an assistant public works director as soon as the reorganization plan receives council approval. Councilors will consider the plan June 5. It received unanimous approval from the four councilors serving on the human resources panel.
"I'm really excited what this means for the future of the city of Superior," Ross said. "I think this is a new step forward."
Shelley Nelson can be reached at (715) 395-5022 or snelson@superior telegram.com.
